The Duke of Cambridge has told members of the Christchurch Muslim community who were targeted in a shooting massacre last year “I stand here ready to help you”.

After visiting New Zealand in the aftermath of the Al-Noor and Linwood mosque terrorist attacks which killed 51 people in March 2019, William reconnected with survivors over a video call on Thursday.

The gunman, Australian white supremacist Brenton Tarrant, 29, is due to be sentenced after pleading guilty to 51 counts of murder, 40 counts of attempted murder and one count of terrorism.

The shooting was the deadliest in New Zealand’s modern history, and the government responded by banning most semi-automatic weapons.

William spoke about grief and healing with Imam Alani Lateef and Imam Gamal Fouda from the mosques, members of the community including Farid Ahmad who lost his wife Husna in the attack, and representatives from the Muslim Association of Canterbury.

He said: “As-Salam-u-Alaikum”, meaning “Peace be unto you”, before asking about how the killings were still being felt by the community today.

Community member Dahabo Ali told the duke she knows some families who are “still in shock” and raw emotions have resurfaced following the guilty plea.

When the duke asked about the impact of the shootings on the younger generation, she said: “The youth are making Islamic identity normal so Islamophobia is something of the past rather than something continuing to fight every single day.

“People are continuing to not only feel safe but have their voices heard and being seen in New Zealand.

“I think with everything that happened we are being heard and seen and things are changing.”

The duke told them: “I’m really proud of all of you, the whole community and the New Zealand Government for how you have all dealt with such an atrocity.

“You are a role model for how something so tragic can be negotiated with the utmost grace and dignity.

“I only hope that it’s been a year now and acknowledgement memorial of attacks go on at some point that Covid-19 has delayed and I only hope that brings further healing for all of you.

“But I stand here ready to help in any way I can. If there is more than needs to be done don’t hesitate to reach out.”

Currently, Muslim communities around the world are observing Ramadan – which this year began on April 23 and will end on May 23.

William spoke with the community following Iftar – the evening meal that breaks the fast.

Faisal Sayed, general secretary of Linwood Islamic Centre, told him the community has “rallied together” to deliver food to families during the “very unique Ramadan” and Imams have been using social media to connect with their flock.